Point of Sale Systems
Top Companies in 2024
Lightspeed POS vs Shopify POS
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- Robust inventory management
- 24/7 customer service
- Compatible with many devices
- Live chat and virtual assistant
- Extensive features
- Customization
- Multi-country solution
- Free trial
- Issues take long to be resolved
- Transaction fees are a bit high
- Can be a bit slow at times
- More e-commerce-focused
- No virtual terminal
- High prices
Founded in 2005 in Montreal, Quebec, Lightspeed POS is a cloud-based platform that provides tailored solutions for retail, restaurant, golf, and e-commerce businesses of all sizes. They offer a unified platform that helps businesses operate day-to-day tasks and reach their potential. They have served over 168,000 small to medium-sized businesses in more than 100 countries worldwide. They offer software and hardware tools for in-person sales and e-commerce, as well as inventory management, team management, supplier management, and store location management. They also offer 24/7 support, real-time analytics, and reporting capabilities to help businesses run more efficiently. Additionally, they offer marketing tools, third-party integrations, and API access. Lightspeed takes data security seriously and maintains compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards through a team of IT security experts. They use PCI-compliant third-party providers for transactions and undergo annual assessments and audits for SOC 2 Type 2 compliance to keep their network monitored and safe. Lightspeed is well-regarded by peers and clients, with high review scores on Trustpilot and industry leader lists. However, they are not BBB-accredited and have an F rating.
Founded in 2006, Shopify has emerged as a cornerstone of e-commerce innovation, providing a dynamic platform that empowers businesses of all sizes. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Shopify has left an indelible mark on the industry with their comprehensive suite of services. At the heart of Shopify's prowess is their sophisticated point-of-sale (POS) system, which seamlessly bridges the gap between online and offline commerce. The system boasts intuitive hardware, including touchscreen devices, portable terminals, and customizable software designed for user-friendliness. Businesses utilizing Shopify's POS benefit from multi-channel selling capabilities and enjoy smart inventory management, expert support, and versatile payment processing options. The company's commitment to the user experience is evident in their customer-centric approach, which provides 24/7 support, online guides, and tutorials. With a vast clientele spanning 175 countries, Shopify's credentials speak volumes. Entrepreneurs worldwide rely on their services to streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and drive sales. As we unravel the layers of Shopify's POS system, the innovative features and unparalleled advantages position Shopify as a stalwart in the e-commerce arena, setting the stage for businesses to thrive in the digital landscape. Join us in exploring the transformative world of Shopify and their impact on reshaping the future of commerce.
- Trustpilot Score : 4.4 out of 5
- Customer Experience : Excellent
- Transparent Pricing : True
- Pricing Model : Monthly fee, flat rate processing
- BBB Rating : F
- Trustpilot Score : 1.6 outof 5
- Customer Experience : Good
- Transparent Pricing : True
- Pricing Model : Monthly fee + transaction price
- BBB Rating : A+
- Money-Back Guarantee : False
- Robust inventory management tolls
- English-language support available 24/7
- Allow you to try it for 14 days, risk-free
- Great customer support
- User-friendly
- Excellent security
- Wide range of free themes
- Flexible plans
- Rich features
- Automated Payroll
- Automated Tax Filing
- Billing & Invoicing
- Cloud-Based Services
- Customizable Hardware
- Electronic Receipts
- Free Hardware
- HR Add Ons—Undisclosed
- Inventory Management
- Inventory Tracking
- Loyalty Program
- Mobile App
- Mobile Card Reader
- Real-Time Reports
- Third-Party Software Integration
- Time Tracking
- Virtual Terminal
- Automated Payroll
- Automated Tax Filing
- Billing & Invoicing
- Cloud-Based Services
- Customizable Hardware
- Electronic Receipts
- Free Hardware
- HR Add Ons
- Inventory Management
- Inventory Tracking
- Loyalty Program
- Mobile App
- Mobile Card Reader
- Real-Time Reports
- Third-Party Software Integration
- Time Tracking
- Virtual Terminal
- EMV Compliant
- NFC
- Payment Fraud Protection
- PCI Compliance
- EMV Compliant
- NFC
- Payment Fraud Protection
- PCI Compliance
- Accounting Software
- Processing Services
- Productivity Software
- Accounting Software
- Processing Services
- Productivity Software
- Barcode Scanner
- Credit Card Reader
- Customer-Facing Display
- Display Screen—Undisclosed
- POS Terminal
- Receipt Printer
- Self-Service Kiosk
- Barcode Scanner
- Credit Card Reader
- Customer-Facing Display
- Display Screen
- POS Terminal
- Receipt Printer
- Self-Service Kiosk
- Android
- Cloud-Based
- iOS
- macOS
- On-Site Installation
- Windows
- Android
- Cloud-Based
- iOS
- macOS
- On-Site Installation
- Windows
- Annual Subscription
- Free Trial
- Freemium
- Monthly Subscription
- One-Time License—Undisclosed
- Annual Subscription
- Free Trial
- Freemium
- Monthly Subscription
- One-Time License
- Documentation
- In-Person
- Live Online
- Videos
- Webinars
- Documentation
- In-Person
- Live Online
- Videos
- Webinars
- ACH Processing
- Cash Transactions
- Check
- Credit Card Terminals
- Electronic Signature
- Gift Cards
- In-Person Payments
- Mobile Payments
- Online Payment Processing
- ACH Processing
- Cash Transactions
- Check
- Credit Card Terminals
- Electronic Signature
- Gift Cards
- In-Person Payments
- Mobile Payments
- Online Payment Processing
- Demos
- FAQs/Forum
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Mobile App
- Phone
- Social Media
- Demos
- FAQs/Forum
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Mobile App
- Phone
- Social Media
Shopify POS vs. Lightspeed
When picking a POS system, it is critical to understand the service offerings and customization choices. Shopify and Lightspeed provide comprehensive offerings that involve features like subscription billing, invoicing, payment processing, appointment booking, and online payment. Shopify POS is an excellent choice for online merchants as they seamlessly integrate in-store and online sales. Lightspeed, on the other hand, offers more complex functionality to a wider range of businesses, including golf, restaurants, and retail.
Service range and customization options
Shopify and Lightspeed offer all-inclusive POS systems that cover features such as subscription billing, invoicing, payment processing, appointment scheduling, and online payment. Shopify POS is an exceptional e-commerce platform for online retailers that enables stores to sell both online and in-store products seamlessly. This is achieved through the smooth integration between their point-of-sale system and e-commerce platform. Alternatively, Lightspeed provides a broad range of services catering to many industries, such as golf, restaurants, and retail.
However, the two companies differ in their API integrations and customization options. Shopify POS is highly customizable through their extensive app store, allowing businesses to add personalized functionalities. In contrast, Lightspeed’s customization often requires more technical expertise than Shopify’s user-friendly app integrations.
Ease of use and integration
Shopify POS and Lightspeed are designed with user-friendliness in mind, featuring interfaces that are simple to explore. Shopify’s popular, easy-to-use interface and simple setup make them a viable option for people with limited technical knowledge. Lightspeed also provides a user-friendly interface, yet it includes more improved features that might require a steeper learning curve.
While both platforms share similarities, they differ significantly in their integration capabilities with third-party applications like CRM systems, QuickBooks, and e-commerce platforms. Lightspeed offers powerful integrations but often requires more time for customization and setup. In contrast, Shopify provides a more straightforward and user-friendly integration process.
Security and compliance
Security is crucial for POS systems, and both Shopify and Lightspeed prioritize it. While both platforms share basic security features, their approaches differ significantly. Shopify ensures transaction security with PCI DSS compliance and end-to-end encryption to protect customer data. In contrast, Lightspeed offers more granular access control, allowing business owners to set detailed permissions and closely monitor user activities, providing an additional layer of security management.
Pricing
Pricing is a significant factor in selecting a POS system, and both Shopify POS and Lightspeed offer unique pricing models. Shopify offers two types of POS plans: one for in-person businesses and another for hybrid businesses that operate both in-person and online. The Retail plan costs $89 monthly or $79 annually and includes 1 POS Pro location, unlimited POS logins, and a limited online store. Shopify POS is also included in Shopify Plus at no extra cost. On the other hand, Lightspeed offers different plans for restaurants, golf, and retail. The basic plan costs $69 monthly and includes a menu manager, customizable POS, and options for takeout and delivery.
In conclusion, Shopify POS and Lightspeed are robust POS systems, each with distinct strengths. Shopify POS excels in usability, cost-effectiveness, and seamless e-commerce integration, making it an excellent choice for small—to medium-sized businesses. Lightspeed offers advanced features, robust industry-specific solutions, and detailed customization, making it ideal for larger businesses. Ultimately, the choice between Shopify POS and Lightspeed depends on your business's unique needs.
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